We are currently developing a broad pipeline of oral taxane drug candidates in the clinic with compelling tolerability data. Docetaxel, paclitaxel and cabazitaxel are the most widely used taxane therapeutics prescribed to treat various solid tumors, including prostate, breast and lung cancer.

Modra’s lead product candidate, ModraDoc006/r, is a boosted oral form of docetaxel (ModraDoc006) administered in combination with the boosting agent ritonavir (r). ModraDoc006/r is designed to address limitations associated with intravenous (IV) administration of docetaxel. Docetaxel, a member of the taxane class of anti-cancer therapies, is one of the most frequently used chemotherapy drugs globally and is part of standard regimens for several major solid tumor types, including prostate, breast, head and neck, as well as lung cancer.

Like other taxanes, docetaxel is effective but hampered by a burdensome hospital based IV administration process, as well as extensive side-effects. Although part of docetaxel’s toxicity is related to its mode of action, some key toxicities (including neutropenia) are exacerbated by its pharmacokinetics, most notably the high initial blood concentration caused by IV administration. In addition, key excipients used in its IV formulation, including polysorbate 80 and ethanol, are known to cause significant additional side effects.

In addition to ModraDoc006/r, Modra is developing boosted oral forms of other taxane therapies, such as ModraPac005/r, an oral form of paclitaxel, and ModraCab001/r, an oral form of cabazitaxel.